Principal Director - Proliferated Systems

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators.

Join us and take your place in space.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

Imagery Programs Division’s (IPD) Reconnaissance Systems (RS) Office is looking for a Principal Director to guide and grow Aerospace engagement in multiple major proliferated systems acquisitions. This role will develop and implement a long-term vision for mission and customer support in this exciting and growing area, adapt Aerospace mission assurance practices to meet fast-moving program needs, and work across an end-to-end enterprise with multiple end users.

Additionally, as a Principal Director, you’ll serve as a corporate steward helping to shape the technical leadership of the corporation, as well as mentoring the next generation of engineers.

This position requires 100% on-site work in Chantilly, VAWhat You’ll Be Doing Supporting government in the operations of a non-traditional organization

Developing and implementing a long-term vision for mission and customer support for a national space proliferated space architecture

Anticipating future needs, establishing organizational objectives to achieve them, and managing, mentoring, and growing staff through changes

Planning, communicating, and coordinating Aerospace tailored mission assurance scope consistent with customer risk expectations

Leading Aerospace management team in budget and resource planning and allocation, and communicate planning and allocation with management, subordinates, and customer through written and oral reports

Coordinating activities with Aerospace counterparts across the Enterprise in common program needs

Building trust with the with government customer to position Aerospace to inform and advise on customer decisions

Working closely with SETA counterpart in meeting customer and mission needs

Serving on corporate technical committees to lead Aerospace initiatives

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s OR Advanced degree in a relevant engineering, mathematics or science field

A minimum of 15 years’ space system acquisition experience that includes managerial and technical leadership

Broad background in end-to-end space systems including space and ground segment development, fielding, and operations

Understanding of and experience working with a matrixed engineering organization

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with customer and function in mixed teams comprising customer, contractor, and SETA personnel.

Willing to support frequent travel (up to 1-2 weeks per month)
Proven experience as a people leader

This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

Advanced degree in relevant engineering, mathematics, or science field

Experience with personnel and project management, team-building, allocating resources, and mentoring

Experience with distributed spacecraft architectures, National Space Systems, and their associated missions

Strong background in space system engineering and working across enterprise interfaces

Demonstrated initiative and leadership without direct management oversight

Extensive familiarity with proliferated customer, mission, and novel acquisition approaches

Strong written…